Prevalence and Awareness of Hypertension Among Older Adults

TL;DR

This study finds that over 60% of older adults have hypertension, but nearly a third are unaware of it, with education and location affecting awareness levels.

Contribution

The study provides new data on hypertension prevalence and awareness gaps in older adults in a specific region.

Findings

61.36% of older adults had hypertension.

30.69% of hypertensive individuals were unaware of their condition.

Education level, age group, and residency significantly correlated with awareness.

Abstract

Background

One of the main preventable risk factors for cardiovascular disease is hypertension, which is becoming more common in older persons.

Objective

The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of hypertension and assess the level of awareness regarding the condition among older adults aged 60 years and above.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan, from January to December 2023. Using a convenience sample, 308 people who were at least 60 years old were recruited. Structured in-person interviews and blood pressure readings using a calibrated digital sphygmomanometer were used to gather data. Systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, or the use of antihypertensive medication were considered indicators of hypertension. Prevalence and awareness were calculated using descriptive statistics, and correlations between awareness and demographic characteristics were investigated using chi-squared tests.

Results

Hypertension was present in 61.36% of the population (n = 189). Of them, 30.69% (n = 58) were unaware of their condition, while 69.31% (n = 131) knew. The most prevalent kind of hypertension, affecting 46.75% (n = 144) of the sample as a whole, was stage 2; 75.13% (n = 142) of the hypertensive patients were taking antihypertensive medication. Education level (p < 0.001), age group (p = 0.024), and residency (p = 0.006) were all substantially correlated with awareness, but not gender (p = 0.411).

Conclusion

Hypertension is highly prevalent among older adults, with substantial gaps in awareness, especially among the less educated and rural populations.

Figures